A different looking cargo ship will be sailing into the Port of Newcastle this morning.
The Shofu Maru is en route and was commissioned earlier this month – it’s fitted with a telescopic fibreglass sail that harnesses wind power to propel the vessel.
Developed by Mitsui O.S.K Lines, the vessel is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 5 per cent on a voyage between Japan and Australia and more on other longer voyages.
The Shofu Maru will transport coal mainly from Australia, Indonesia and North America as a dedicated ship for an electric power company in Japan.
The ship is expected to berth at 8:30am at the Mayfield Berth and then head around to Kooragang.
Image: Marine Insight